A5 Trunk Road Between Ty Nant and Dinmael Start of Main Works

I made a commitment to keep members updated on progress on remedial works on the A5 between Ty Nant and Dinmael.  I can announce that the main rock removal works on the A5 will commence on Monday 6 November 2006. The works will be carried out by Jones Bros Ltd who have been carrying out preparatory works, further investigations and detailed design since they were awarded the contract in June 2006. Land acquisition and consents have also been negotiated.

It is anticipated that the first rock blast will take place on Wednesday 8 November at 2pm. The blasting operation will last for a maximum period of 30 minutes. During this period the old A5 diversionary route will be closed for safety reasons and traffic will be prevented from travelling between Ty Nant and Dinmael.

I am unable to confirm on which subsequent days blasting and closure will take place, as this is dependent upon the rate of progress of the drilling associated with the blasting operation and on the weather conditions. However it is anticipated that it will take place 2 or 3 times per week, Monday to Friday for approximately 20 weeks. i.e. until the end of March 2007.

The section of the A5 between Ty Nant and Dinmael was originally closed to traffic at the end of May 2006 following an extensive programme of investigation into the stability of the existing rock face. A risk assessment concluded that there was an unacceptably high risk of rock fall.

Since the closure, the rock face has been regularly monitored and several rock falls have been recorded, including a 2 tonne block that fell from the north face on 26 September and a 250kg block on 29 September 2006. Several other small blocks of rock have fallen from both the north and south faces since May 2006. Additionally, another rock anchor failed on 12 October whilst being tested.

The critical item in the main works will be the removal and disposal of the excavated rock. It is unlikely that it will be logistically possible to remove more than 1000m³ of rock per day. Hence it will take approximately 100 working days to remove the 100,000m³ of rock required to be excavated. Largely in view of this factor and the stringent safety requirements for this type of work, it is now anticipated completion will not be until mid July 2007.


During the last few weeks, local residents have received newsletters from the site establishment advising on scheme developments. Also, a public meeting was held on 23 October 2006 at Ysgol Dinmael. My officials from Transport Wales, their Agents, the North Wales Trunk Road Agency and representatives from Jones Bros Ltd and their blasting sub-contractors, Blasting Services attended. The meeting was to inform the local community and businesses of what the blasting works will entail.

Further, regular newsletters will be issued to keep residents informed.